[2FIRSTS] Experts Interpretation of the Related Factors of the Number Planning of E-Cigarette Retail Outlets

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS
Jun.13.2022
On the 7th of May, 20 of China Tobacco's 33 provincial units announced the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets.

On the 7th of May, 20 of China Tobacco's 33 provincial units announced the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets (draft for comments):

 
In addition, Shandong Tobacco, although the specific quantity has not been announced, has published the consultation draft of the classification of prefecture-level cities and the upper limit of the number of e-cigarette retail outlets to per 10,000 people. According to the data of the seventh national census bulletin of Shandong Province and the seventh national census bulletin of Jinan City, the calculation is as follows:

 
On the basis of data from the China Statistical Yearbook, the Statistical Bulletin of National Economic and Social Development, the China Tobacco Yearbook, the 2021 E-cigarette Retail Blue Book, and other sources, the following conclusions can be drawn:

 
1. The anticipated number of e-cigarette retail outlets in 21 provincial units is most closely related to the "number of e-cigarette brand stores and brand collection stores" in 2021. R2=0.9373。


2. There is a strong correlation between the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets in 21 provincial units and the local GDP in 2021. R2=0.8793。


3.There is a correlation between the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets in 21 provincial units and the local resident population at the end of 2021. R2=0.7606。

 
4. There is a weak correlation between the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets in 21 provincial units and local cigarette sales, cigarette sales revenue, the number of cigarette retailers, the number of primary and secondary schools, and other factors. R2 falls between 0.50 and 0.75.


The number of existing e-cigarette brand stores and brand collection stores in 2021, the gross domestic product in 2021, and the number of permanent residents at the end of 2021 are the three factors most closely related to the planned number of e-cigarette retail outlets in each province.

 

Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift
Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey, daily smoking among Australians aged 18 and over fell to a record low of 5.8% in 2025. Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia now has around 500,000 fewer daily smokers than three years ago and credited the government’s vaping reforms as part of broader progress. Among people aged 14 and over, daily smoking declined from 8.3% in 2022-23 to 5.6% in 2025. Daily vaping rates stabilised at 3.6%, while the government also moved to further restrict access to nicotine pouches through unapproved therapeutic import pathways.
Jul.21
BAT Calls for Retailer Input in Future Nicotine Regulations
BAT Calls for Retailer Input in Future Nicotine Regulations
British American Tobacco (BAT) has called for stronger retailer involvement in shaping future nicotine product regulations in the UK, arguing that frontline market feedback should be considered during policy development. BAT said retailers provide direct insight into consumer behavior, market changes and regulatory implementation challenges. The comments come as the UK nicotine market undergoes regulatory changes, including the disposable vape ban, Vaping Products Duty and efforts to address illicit vape sales.
Jul.29
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
A 12-week European Commission consultation on revising the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive is due to close on Aug. 14, 2026. The Commission has identified e-cigarette flavours, disposable vapes, tobacco heating devices, nicotine pouches, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, packaging and digital marketing among areas for possible new EU rules. National regulations already vary significantly across the bloc, a fragmentation the Commission says creates internal-market barriers and distorts competition. No formal revised TPD/TAD legislative text has yet been published, with the Commission currently indicating December 2026 for the legislative initiative.
Aug.14
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
Product | BAT Launches glo Hyper pro+ in Japan, Upgrading the Hyper Platform With Faster Start and Smart Device Management
Product | BAT Launches glo Hyper pro+ in Japan, Upgrading the Hyper Platform With Faster Start and Smart Device Management
British American Tobacco Japan (BAT Japan) has introduced glo Hyper pro+, an upgraded device within the existing glo Hyper platform. The device adds QuickStart™ rapid heating technology, an EasyView™ display and maintenance notification features to improve daily usability. Launched in Japan on July 13, 2026, glo Hyper pro+ maintains compatibility with existing Hyper-format tobacco sticks, including neo, Lucky Strike and KENT.
Jul.30